Stanley Market, Hong Kong

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Stanley is a lovely little coastal village towards the south of Hong Kong thats a very popular place for most visitors to Hong Kong.
Originally a fishing village, but recently its developed more and now hosts a range of restaurants and pubs.
What also makes it very popular is Stanley Market which is visited by many people and is well know by both locals and visitors for getting a few good bargains here. Goods that are available for purchase here range from traditional Chinese souvenirs to traditional arts and crafts, and various other types of stalls.

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Stanley is pretty seaside town less than an hour from Central. Many people, both locals and tourists, converge on Stanley during the weekends, where they can swim, water ski, wind surf, sail their yachts, and generally enjoy the sparkling blue water. At the gazetted lagoons, there are lifeguards and changing room facilities.

Many westerns and tourists like to relax at one of the many (overpriced) alfresco cafes / restaurants lining the street between Stanley Plaza and Stanley market, even in the hot afternoon, while locals mill around the area behind Stanley Plaza and the beachside picnic area to the left of Stanley Market.

Stanley Market consists of many small stalls selling goods from sportswear and made-in-China souvenirs to ladies' fashion, shoes and luggage bags. Those who enjoy shopping will likely spend a great deal of time thronging through the market.

Visitors can find a quiet spot off a path along the sea leading away from Stanley Plaza, to which not many venture. This path leads a 1000-year-old Well and small temple, outside of which there is a shady spot and a stone bench.

Buses to Stanley will generally terminate at the Stanley bus terminal.

The town of Stanley is a trendy casual beach community on the over side of Hong Kong Island. Many foriegners or gwailo live here. Good cafes and restaurants, which are great for people watching .There is a large market, which sells tourist souvenirs, clothes, art and other goods. Here, you feel like you are so far from the city, but really only 15 km away. There is a small beach. It's a nice change.

Stanley is situated on the South side of HK Island. It is quite popular among the tourists but also with local people.

Stanley is mostly famous for its market (mainly aimed at tourists, selling souvenirs and clothes). There is a short seaside walk where a lot of foreign restaurants are aligned, with their terrace tables.
At the end of this walk, you will find the Murray Building, housing a few restaurants as well and a shopping mall.

Some of the restaurants in Murray Building has terrace seatings with a seaview. There is a tapas buffet at "El Cid", a spanish restaurant, from 3 to 5 pm and it costs around 100 HKD. The price is quite reasonable for the food and the relaxing environment.

The Stanley Market I remember is very different from the one you will find today. Back in the late '70s/early '80s the market was an open air market where you could find designer jeans (remember jordace and gloria vanderbilt) mixed in with live produce (they would cut off a chicken head while you waited). One of my favorite memories of Stanley Market was my father getting what he thought was a jelly donut only to find out that it was filled with plum paste.

Today, Stanley Market is still a place to find silk goods in Western sizes and all things Chinese. It is a major tourist attraction so expect lots of crowds, especially on weekends.

With regard to bargaining, some stores have signs explicitly stating "no bargaining," but do not be deterred from haggling to your best ability, especially if you are buying more than one article. However, given Stanley's masses of visitors you have to be really good to get a sizable discount.

The market is open from 9am to 6pm

Go to the Stanley Markets...there are lots of things to look at and buy.

I was amazed at the many different stalls...a lot were womens clothes (pyjamas and such) but there were all types of stalls in there. It was a bit hot and smelly under the covers though so we didn't last in there too long...

The Stanley area has a few shops and some western cafes. It is a reasonably nice water front. It can be done in a day going to nearby Aberdeen also.

This is not a can't miss thing, but if you've had enough of the big city it is good for a change of pace.

Stanley is a beautiful place combining exciting watersports, fun shopping, open-air restaurants and street celebration at times of festivals.

Stanley Market is a main reason attracting tourists. There're many stalls offering various low-price goods. Besides, also don't miss the beach, the Military Cemetery, Stanley Plaza and Stanley Main Street alongside.

Bus No. 6, 6A, 6X, or 260 from Exchange Square can take you there.